Heritage

William’s proudest farming achievement was winning the best potato field in Lincolnshire for three years running in 1933, 1934 and 1935. The family still had the trophy until a recent theft in 2021. We would be delighted to see this trophy returned.

We still have records of war time crops and sales.

Ron Delamore took on the small holding from William and went on to purchase additional land at both Walpole St. Andrew and Tydd. In 1957 Ron visited a nursery situated along Sutton Road in Wisbech. Here he tried to buy some plants, but instead purchased the entire ten acres of nursery land. This was obviously a major investment and required Ron to rethink his strategy. The farming was reduced at Wingland and Ron quickly learnt how to grow roses alongside daffodils and tulips. Ron was one of the original suppliers to the famous Wisbech Rose Fair.

April 1960 soon arrived and the family relocated to Sutton Road, Wisbech where the new nursery was established. Ron moved a glasshouse from Wingland and grew Roses on the land at Sutton Road as well as land he acquired at Emneth and Barton Road, Wisbech. At Michaelmas 1960 Ron ceased renting the land at Wingland and all growing moved to the Wisbech area. R Delamore Limited was founded in 1961. After a couple of years Ron decided that he needed the big idea for his new company. Ron’s idea was hatched when he realised he was unable to purchase chrysanthemum cuttings without placing orders which had long lead times. R Delamore Limited therefore began specialising in growing chrysanthemum cuttings for purchase on demand.

Ron’s son Clive Delamore began working with his father when he left school in 1962. A formidable team they expanded quickly building, at the time, an industry leading state of the art nursery. Successful business profit was reinvested into land as fields came for sale, purchases were made in Newton, Tydd St Giles, Long Sutton, Tilney All Saints and Terrington St Clement.

As the business expanded another nursery was purchased at Sutton Bridge and Ron and Rita relocated to here in 1977.

The Sutton Bridge nursery specialised in growing seedlings. Ron developed a state-of- the-art germination chamber to grow bedding plants from seeds.

One of  most significant business achievements was in 1982 when R Delamore Limited was granted a Royal Warrant. This was by appointment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for supplying chrysanthemum cuttings to The Queen’s Sandringham House Estate. A quote from The Royal Family’s official website: “Royal Warrant holders have an enviable reputation for quality, service and value for money. The Warrant is a mark of quality, excellence and recognition. Warrants have always been regarded as demonstrating excellence and quality, and are highly prized.

Clive had a real passion for rare breed cattle, this stemmed from being taken to The Royal Norfolk Show as a child. On being told by his father that there were only a handful of British White Cattle left. Clive purchased his first British White Cow Preamble in 1983. He went onto great success winning Breed Championships at all the major show including The Royal Norfolk, The Royal Show and The Royal Welsh.

A significant decision was made in 1991 and the nursery business was sold. This sale allowed for the purchase of todays home for Delamore Farms in Terrington St Clement.

Never one rest on his laurels Clive sought a fresh cattle challenge and in 2014 bought his first Hereford Cow. This herd continues to grow and prosper.

The current custodian William Delamore spent the last 25 years working as a commercial director in a related pet and farm businesses. With the loss of his father Clive Delamore in January 2022 William, after much reflection decided to come “home”. 

William has three children Olly, Tilly and Henry. He hopes that they will be the next generation to drive the business forward.